1 Samuel 26:18 And he added, "Why is my lord pursuing his servant? What have I done, and what wrong am I guilty of?

◄ 1 Samuel 26:18 ►

Parallel Verses

New International Version
And he added, "Why is my lord pursuing his servant? What have I done, and what wrong am I guilty of?

English Standard Version
And he said, “Why does my lord pursue after his servant? For what have I done? What evil is on my hands?

New American Standard Bible
He also said, "Why then is my lord pursuing his servant? For what have I done? Or what evil is in my hand?

King James Bible
And he said, Wherefore doth my lord thus pursue after his servant? for what have I done? or what evil is in mine hand?

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then he continued, "Why is my lord pursuing his servant? What have I done? What evil is in my hand?

International Standard Version
David said, "Why is your majesty pursuing his servant? For what have I done, and what evil do I bear toward you?

American Standard Version
And he said, Wherefore doth my lord pursue after his servant? for what have I done? or what evil is in my hand?

Douay-Rheims Bible
And he said: Wherefore doth my lord persecute his servant? What have I done? or what evil is there in my hand?

Darby Bible Translation
And he said, Why does my lord thus pursue after his servant? for what have I done? or what evil is in my hand?

Young's Literal Translation
and he saith, 'Why is this -- my lord is pursuing after his servant? for what have I done, and what is in my hand evil?

Commentaries

Matthew Henry's Commentary

26:13-20 David reasoned seriously and affectionately with Saul. Those who forbid our attendance on God's ordinances, do what they can to estrange us from God, and to make us heathens. We are to reckon that which exposes us to sin the greatest injury that can be done us. If the Lord stirred thee up against me, either in displeasure to me, taking this way to punish me for my sins against him, or in displeasure to thee, if it be the effect of that evil spirit from the Lord which troubles thee; let Him accept an offering from us both. Let us join in seeking peace, and to be reconciled with God by sacrifice.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown

15. David said to Abner, Art not thou a valiant man: … wherefore then hast thou not kept thy lord the king?—The circumstance of David having penetrated to the center of the encampment, through the circular rows of the sleeping soldiers, constituted the point of this sarcastic taunt. This new evidence of David's moderation and magnanimous forbearance, together with his earnest and kindly expostulation, softened the obduracy of Saul's heart.